Electric Patents (Class 273/460)
  • Patent number: 11908277
    Abstract: A cashless mobile gaming system and method is described. A server includes a financial gaming passport module that operates an exchange that qualifies a financial transaction. A mobile application receives an exchange request input that is communicated to the financial gaming passport. Funding sources are then queried by the financial gaming passport to determine the available funds at each of the funding sources. A hold-fund request is generated by the funding source when the exchange request is approved by the funding source. The financial gaming passport associated with the server communicates that if a casino management system (CMS) issues a value to the mobile application disposed on the patron wireless device, then the financial gaming passport associated with the server certifies a casino reimbursement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Automated Cashless Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Warner, Michael Sackrison, Shawn G. Quick
  • Patent number: 11826614
    Abstract: A bioelectrical signal controlled exercise machine system for allowing an exerciser to control the state of an exercise machine and exercise environment. The bioelectrical signal controlled exercise machine system generally includes an exercise machine, a bioelectrical sensor device and a control unit in communication with the bioelectrical sensor device and the exercise machine. The control unit is adapted to receive data from the bioelectrical sensor device relating to measured bioelectrical signals of the human exerciser, and wherein the control unit transmits a control signal to the exercise machine to change the state of the exercise machine based on the data from the bioelectrical sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
  • Patent number: 11723568
    Abstract: A system predicts the mental state of a user using a variety of contact or contactless sensors that measure heart rate, breathing or other data of the user. The mental state may be flow, overload, underload, stress, attention, motivation, valence, arousal, etc. While performing a game-playing task the difficulty of the task is adjusted based upon the predicted mental state of the user. A classifier for classifying a mental state is trained using event marking and ground truth data. Computer usage generates event markers. Game playing is used to simulate a mental state. Interruptions of a user are prevented when the user enters a flow, focused, or effortful attention state by classifying that state and indicating physically or electronically that the user should not be interrupted. Interruptions of a user are also prevented when the user enters a mind wandering state by classifying or predicting that state and indicating physically or electronically that the user should not be interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: FRICTIONLESS SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Carter Jernigan
  • Patent number: 11571608
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises a rigid rod having a first and second ends, a plurality of light sources arranged in a row along at least a portion of an axis extending between the first and second ends of the rigid rod, at least one load sensor for detecting an applied longitudinal force, and a processor coupled to the at least one load sensor and to the plurality of light sources. The processor is configured to execute machine-executable instructions that cause the processor to obtain a signal indicating a magnitude of the applied longitudinal force, and cause a subset of the plurality of light sources to emit light. A ratio of a number of light sources in the subset to a total number of the plurality of light sources represents the magnitude of the applied longitudinal force relative to a reference longitudinal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Disruptive Force LLC, Campbell, CA
    Inventors: Nicholas P. Sands, Justin Andrews, Krista S. Jacobsen, Daniel K. Harden, Cole Derby, Britt Jensen
  • Patent number: 11508213
    Abstract: A client device, a system and a method for enabling financial transactions for electronic gaming machines are described. The client device includes an electronic gaming machine processor, a printer, a printer sharing module, one or more wireless communication modules, a slot cabinet, a backend server, and a master gateway. The slot cabinet houses the electronic gaming machine, printer, and a wireless communications module. The electronic funds transfer terminal receives fund transfer requests from patrons and communicates the requests to an aggregator communicatively coupled to the backend server. The backend server in turn transmits the request to the master gateway that communicates with financial networks and maintains a database of transactions made through the client devices. The master gateway communicates transaction data related to the fund transfer request and the gaming limits and gaming rules to the backend server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: AUTOMATED CASHLESS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Warner, Michael Sackrison, Shawn G. Quick, Michael Daly
  • Patent number: 11458365
    Abstract: A bioelectrical signal controlled exercise machine system for allowing an exerciser to control the state of an exercise machine and exercise environment. The bioelectrical signal controlled exercise machine system generally includes an exercise machine, a bioelectrical sensor device and a control unit in communication with the bioelectrical sensor device and the exercise machine. The control unit is adapted to receive data from the bioelectrical sensor device relating to measured bioelectrical signals of the human exerciser, and wherein the control unit transmits a control signal to the exercise machine to change the state of the exercise machine based on the data from the bioelectrical sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
  • Patent number: 11445971
    Abstract: A brainwave actuated apparatus has a brainwave sensor for outputting a brainwave signal, an effector responsive to an input signal, and a controller operatively connected to an output of said brainwave sensor and a control input to said effector. The controller is adapted to determine characteristics of a brainwave signal output by said brainwave sensor and based on said characteristics, derive a control signal to output to said effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: INTERAXON INC.
    Inventor: Steve Mann
  • Patent number: 11410499
    Abstract: A cashless mobile gaming system and method is described. The cashless mobile gaming system includes a network appliance, a financial gaming passport module, a mobile application disposed on a wireless device and one or more funding resources. The network appliance includes the financial gaming passport module, which operates an exchange between a casino patron and a casino operator that qualifies a financial transaction by ensuring regulatory compliance with gaming regulations. Funding sources are queried by the financial gaming passport to determine the available funds at the funding sources. A hold-fund request is generated by the funding source when the exchange request is approved by the funding source. The financial gaming passport communicates with the casino operator that if the casino operator issues a value to the casino patron, then the financial gaming passport certifies that the casino operator shall be reimbursed within a period of time by the funding source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: AUTOMATED CASHLESS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Warner, Michael Sackrison, Shawn G. Quick
  • Patent number: 11103769
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a hide-and-seek game, of which the apparatus includes a housing, a gameplay status indicator coupled to the housing, interface elements coupled to the housing and configured to receive input from a user or provide output to the user, and a processor configured to execute operations. The operations include initiating a timer in response to a first player selecting to play a hide-and-seek game and entering a first input using the interface elements, the first input indicating that the apparatus is hidden, receiving a second input from a second player prior to the completion of the timer, the second input indicating that the second player has located the apparatus that was hidden, and executing a predetermined number of challenges, in response to receiving the second input from the second player, using the gameplay status indicator and the interface elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: PRESSURE GAMES, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander James Andreae, Sebastian Luke Andreae
  • Patent number: 11014013
    Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 10708536
    Abstract: A signal processing apparatus: specifies a capture time of a plurality of captured images that are captured from respectively different directions by a plurality of cameras in order to generate a virtual-viewpoint image corresponding to a designated virtual viewpoint; obtain an audio collection signal based on collection of audio of an audio collection target region by a microphone, wherein the audio collection target region includes at least a part of a capturing range of the plurality of cameras; generates an audio signal to be reproduced together with the virtual-viewpoint image corresponding to the capture time specified by the specification unit, by using the obtained audio collection signal based on collection by the microphone at a point in time prior to the specified capture time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsumasa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10706680
    Abstract: A client device, a system and a method for enabling financial transactions for an electronic gaming machine is described. The client device includes an electronic gaming machine processor, a printer, a printer sharing module and a controller. The printer sharing module is electrically coupled to the printer and the electronic gaming machine processor. The controller is electrically coupled to the printer sharing module. The controller reroutes the communications between the electronic gaming machine processor and the printer and allows the controller to communicate with the printer so that the controller instructs the printer to print a voucher. The system also includes a wireless communications module that enables communications with at least one other wireless communication module over short distances using point to point or broadcast packets that allow for bi-directional data transmission between each client device located on a casino gaming floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: AUTOMATED CASHLESS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Warner, Michael Sackrison, Shawn G. Quick, Noah Vrudny, Michael Daly
  • Patent number: 10702763
    Abstract: A method and system for playing jackpot and live baccarat games are provided. One feature of the jackpot method involves the use of card combinations that may include, e.g., at least one zero-point card. Another feature of the jackpot method involves initial jackpot contribution from the banker who operates the baccarat game. It is also provided a software program or a set of software program for carrying out any or all the steps of the disclosed gaming method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 10522115
    Abstract: A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a display, a communicator configured to receive a color identification code based on HTML5 from a server, and a processor configured to control the display to display the color identification code and an image corresponding to the color identification code. The color identification code includes information associated with the displayed image and is recognizable by an external apparatus that captures the displayed color identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang-il Hwang, Woo-seok Kim, Jong-ho Lea, Morio Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 10504300
    Abstract: A sports event time clock control system utilizing remotely activated game clock controls in which the sonic fingerprints including multiple harmonic frequencies of each official's whistle blow is compared with prerecorded sonic fingerprints of the officials for activation of the game clock upon a match in sonic fingerprints and to identify and record the official who blew the whistle along with the strength of the whistle blow. Sonic fingerprints include the strongest harmonic plus selected strong overtone and undertone frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Michael J Costabile
  • Patent number: 10500513
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a toy system with multiple character units that are adapted to play different recordings, and may include a first character unit and a second character unit. Each character units may include an actuator, a transceiver, and having a plurality of character recordings, and wherein actuation of a character may cause multiple character recordings to be selected and played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Tomy International, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Huisman
  • Patent number: 10413830
    Abstract: A method of playing an interactive baseball-related card game, comprising the steps of: dealing each of nine outcome cards to each of the players, wherein each of the outcome cards is based upon the likelihood of a particular event occurring during a plate appearance by a batter; arranging, by each player, each of the outcome cards based upon a predicted outcome of the plate appearance of the batter by that player to create an outcome card lineup, wherein the outcome cards are arranged such that a most likely outcome of the plate appearance of the batter, as predicted by that particular player, is placed at the top of all of the outcome cards in that particular player's outcome card lineup; monitoring the plate appearance of the batter; determining an actual outcome of the plate appearance of the batter; reviewing each of the player's outcome card lineups to determine which player is the winning player for the plate appearance by the batter by determining which player has a correct outcome card that correspon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Rahul Malik
  • Patent number: 10384125
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to enable an instruction for timeshifted recording in a short time and with a simple operation. A play-video saving control unit 12 controls saving of log data regarding a game being executed. A display control unit 21 executes control so as to display, on a display medium, a plurality of images representing the proceedings of the game in sequential order of time on the basis of the log data in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied. A touch-operation detecting unit 22 detects an operation of bringing a thing into contact with or in proximity to the display medium as an operation for selecting a certain image from the plurality of images. A recording-period detecting unit 23 determines a timing identified from the certain image selected by the detected operation as a start point for recording of an image representing the proceedings of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: CYGAMES, INC.
    Inventor: Shuichi Kurabayashi
  • Patent number: 10367855
    Abstract: An example method includes providing third party access to listen to a call and the ability to inject audio into an isolated audio portion of the call by using a switch controller within a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) platform. The switch controller can to separate a call into multiple audio portions. The example method can further include collecting and warehousing call metadata and providing access to isolated audio portions via an external database, web object, API, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: TEVNOS LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Alexander Jacobson
  • Patent number: 10354622
    Abstract: A method allocates screen space for display of a plurality of prescribed messages on a display device during a sporting event having a plurality of activities. Each activity ultimately has an outcome and takes an activity time to complete. To that end, the method receives a stream of electronic, machine readable real-time event information, and displays an event user interface having selection indicia. The selection indicia enable a user to predict the outcome of at least one activity of the sporting event in real time. The method assigns, to each message, a prescribed display number that is equal to a prescribed number of predictions, and receives a plurality of predictions from the event user interface. The method also displays, in series, each of the plurality of messages in the foreground of the display in real time when receiving the stream of real-time event information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: CONTOUR DESIGN, INC.
    Inventor: Anton Khinchuk
  • Patent number: 10328349
    Abstract: A system for managing game-playing experiences includes one or more game-playing devices provided with communication interfaces for exchanging game-playing experiences therebetween. Each device includes computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting an interactive game thereupon. The computing hardware is operable to execute one or more game software products recorded on machine-readable data storage media for generating the interactive game. The one or more game software products include a game experience software module (GESW) for generating metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface which enables the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing. Optionally, the metadata includes one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently viewing the game-playing experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: UNITY TECHNOLOGIES SF
    Inventors: Jussi Laakonen, Olli Sinerma
  • Patent number: 10249133
    Abstract: A method and system is provided wherein an event experienced by a player is documented and the documentation of the event is stored. One example of an event experienced by a player is an outcome obtained by a player on a gaming device. In such an embodiment the documentation of the event may comprise an image of the player's reaction to the outcome and/or a still or video image of the outcome. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention a player may subsequently access an output of the documentation. In one embodiment an outcome of a prior game play that was documented is replayed. When the outcome of the prior game play is output, the outcome may be output in a manner that indicates to a viewer that the outcome is an outcome of a prior game play and not an outcome of a current game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9928686
    Abstract: Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Dean P. Alderucci, Charles Plott, Mark Miller
  • Patent number: 9904485
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a secure memory controller. The secure memory controller includes circuitry and logic that is programmed to prevent malicious code from overwrite protected regions of system memory. The memory controller observes memory access patterns and trains itself to identify thread stacks and addresses relating to the thread stacks including stack-frame pointers and return addresses. In one aspect, the memory controller prevents a return address from being overwritten until a proper return from a function call is detected. The memory controller is also configured to prevent malicious code from overwriting page table entries (PTEs) in page tables. Pages containing PTEs are identified, and access is prevented to the PTEs from user-mode code. The PTEs are also scanned to detect corrupted PTEs resulting from bit manipulation by malicious code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Vinodh Gopal
  • Patent number: 9881455
    Abstract: A game of accuracy and method for playing the same at a fuel pump comprising one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of stopping the fuel pump's metering mechanism at a predetermined value. Exemplary embodiments of the game comprise a fuel pump, a metering mechanism for measuring the quantity of fuel or energy dispensed, a controller coupled with the fuel pump for starting and stopping the flow of fuel or energy therethrough, and a processor in communication with the metering mechanism. The method of playing comprises selecting a goal outcome, one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of dispensing an amount of fuel or energy that corresponds with the goal outcome, and providing the one or more players with a prize in the event the amount of fuel or energy dispensed corresponds with the goal outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: INDYTRADECENTER IN LLC
    Inventor: Roger L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9792764
    Abstract: A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker, Jose A. Suarez, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9764109
    Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods of using real-time neurofeedback to improve the correspondence between first-person experience and specific brain activation patterns in a manner that minimally affects the experience itself. The present invention provides meditators the ability to enhance their control over their own brain activity, such as posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) activation. The present invention also provides methods for treating a disease or disorder of a subject by measuring the subject's brain activity via fMRI, presenting a representation of the measured brain activity to the subject, and instructing the subject to reduce the represented brain activity by altering their meditative state. The present invention also provides a system and method of using fMRI neurofeedback to directly correlate subjective experience with neural activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Judson Brewer, Dustin Scheinost
  • Patent number: 9761082
    Abstract: Example methods and devices are set forth for playing a game. In some embodiments, an inventory of game indicia is arranged in a random but established, serial order. In some embodiments, for each hand of play the player makes a wager and game indicia are displayed in order from the inventory to define a winning or losing outcome. In some embodiments, a display, as hands are played, displays the remaining constituency of the inventory and the player, before any game, can order re-shuffling and re-constitute of the inventory. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Dean P. Alderucci, Mark A. Miller
  • Patent number: 9754340
    Abstract: Apparatuses for performing consumer testing and methods for using same are provided. Methods for administering consumer research are also provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides apparatuses having a rotatable platform with at least one divider separating the platform into at least two sections, where each of the at least two sections includes a life-like scenario configured for use by a consumer participant during a consumer research test. Such apparatuses provide flexibility and efficiency of time, space and cost for performing consumer research since the research may be performed in a timely fashion, in a number of different life-like scenarios, in a limited amount of space, and may be directly observed from one location or using one set of audio/visual equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Linda Grace Moore
  • Patent number: 9689545
    Abstract: An optical element including a first head lens array having at least first and second head lenses joined together by a bar, and at least one second bead lens array having at least a third head lenses arranged between the first and second head lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Docter Optics SE
    Inventors: Wolfram Wintzer, Lars Arnold, Alois Willke, Sandro Plietzsch
  • Patent number: 9525989
    Abstract: An information exchanging apparatus capable of exchanging information with a plurality of outside apparatuses has: a first wireless communicator including a telephone transmitter and telephone receiver for wireless telephone communication with one of the outside apparatuses; a second wireless communicator other than the first wireless communicator; a transmitter arranged to transmit original information to the plurality of outside apparatuses through the second wireless communicator; a processor arranged to process response information from the plurality of outside apparatuses to be received through the second wireless communicator in response to the original information; and a distributor arranged to distribute result information from the processor to the plurality of outside apparatuses through the second wireless communicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahide Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9504923
    Abstract: A system for managing game-playing experiences includes one or more game-playing devices provided with communication interfaces for exchanging game-playing experiences therebetween. Each device includes computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting an interactive game thereupon. The computing hardware is operable to execute one or more game software products recorded on machine-readable data storage media for generating the interactive game. The one or more game software products include a game experience software module (GESW) for generating metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface which enables the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing. Optionally, the metadata includes one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently viewing the game-playing experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Unity Technologies Finland Oy
    Inventors: Jussi Laakkonen, Olli Sinerma
  • Patent number: 9406197
    Abstract: A game of accuracy and method for playing the same at a fuel pump comprising one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of stopping the fuel pump's metering mechanism at a predetermined value. Exemplary embodiments of the game comprise a fuel pump, a metering mechanism for measuring the quantity of fuel or energy dispensed, a controller coupled with the fuel pump for starting and stopping the flow of fuel or energy therethrough, and a processor in communication with the metering mechanism. The method of playing comprises selecting a goal outcome, one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of dispensing an amount of fuel or energy that corresponds with the goal outcome, and providing the one or more players with a prize in the event the amount of fuel or energy dispensed corresponds with the goal outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: INDYTRADECENTER IN LLC
    Inventor: Roger L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9318113
    Abstract: Simulating an improvisational conversation between two or more people (or between a person and himself at a later time) by recording an original conversation involving some of the people and annotating the recording to produce an interview source database, then receiving a statement from another of the people, matching the statement against the interview source database to obtain a suitable audio response in the voice of a participant in the original conversation, and playing the audio response for the speaker or sender of the statement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Timestream LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Westby, Eric A. Weymueller
  • Patent number: 9058062
    Abstract: Example systems and methods for facilitating access to stored content using a computer system comprising multiple non-alphanumeric buttons involve converting at least a portion of an identifier associated with the content to a code comprising a combination of one or more of the non-alphanumeric buttons. The code is stored along with access information for accessing the content and the access information is provided in response to receipt of the code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiomi Kurisu, Hironao Ootsubo
  • Patent number: 8951088
    Abstract: System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 8814644
    Abstract: An interactive system for simulating a treasure hunt, comprising a plurality of pseudo-treasures (1) distributed over a playing area (5), and a detector (6) which is allocated to each player (7, 20, 21) and is suitable for scanning over the playing area (5) and detecting at least one pseudo-treasure (1), characterized in that said system further comprises means (24) suitable for allocating, to each player (7, 20, 21), at least one specific pseudo-treasure (1) to be found within a predetermined time period, each pseudo-treasure (1) comprising identification means and each detector (6) being suitable for identifying the scanned pseudo-treasures (1) and indicating the pseudo-treasure or treasures (1) found within the set time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard Trouvilliez
  • Patent number: 8678395
    Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed having a housing for enclosing a playing field, and at least one target disposed on the playing field, the target oriented for interaction with a vertically dropped projectile. The device further includes a pick-up device within the housing, the pick-up device suspended from a rail arrangement that provides for four-way horizontal movement over the playing field. The device has player controls including a first control for maneuvering the pick-up device in a horizontal plane above the playing field, and a second control for releasing the projectile, wherein an objective of the amusement device is to position the pick-up device over a target and release the projectile to hit the target to win the prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8678394
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gift storage device of a gift game machine and a selection output means thereof. The gift game machine has the selection output means movable in X, Y, Z axes to correspond to a plurality of gift storage devices. Each gift storage device includes a gift support for allowing gifts to hang thereon and a rotary feeding set controlled by the selection output means. A spiral element of the rotary feeding set rotates to push the gifts on the gift support, so that the gifts can move on the gift support until they leave the gift support. Each gift storage device is positioned to a back plate of the gift game machine via an insertion frame. Tabs and insertion troughs are provided between the gift storage device and the insertion frame, so that the gift storage device can be disassembled or assembled easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Youal-Jifh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 8657294
    Abstract: A lifting device for hammer game machine includes frame, a motor laterally mounted to a lower portion of the frame, a seat longitudinally mounted to an upper portion of the frame, a lifting unit partially received in and extending through the seat, a first bracket is secured on a lower end of the lifting device, a linkage assembly connected to the motor and a second bracket laterally mounted onto the linkage assembly through the frame. The first bracket and the second bracket are slidably relative to the frame and selectively connected to each other before being operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, I-Chiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8632401
    Abstract: In a game program for a multi-player game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Capcom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Taoka, Takaaki Yamanouchi
  • Patent number: 8602833
    Abstract: System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 8591332
    Abstract: A video editor for a video game is discussed. The video editor manipulates information of video game play to provide videos of game play and in some embodiments scoring of videos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Bright, Gavin Pugh, Stuart Scandrett
  • Patent number: 8585057
    Abstract: A game machine includes a frame and a control unit mounted on the frame. A rack assembly and a moving unit are respectively positioned in the frame, wherein the rack assembly is provided for containing prizes and a hammering device is mounted onto the moving unit. The moving unit and the hammering device are respectively electrically connected to the control unit. After inserting coin, the player can use the control unit to operate the moving unit for moving the hammering device to a purposed position. Finally, the player operates the hammering device to strike the rack assembly for forming vibration to move the selected prize and the prize is used as a reward after falling from the rack assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Youal-Jifh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 8491397
    Abstract: A watch includes a wrist band and a housing mounted to the wrist band where the housing includes a wrist side and an opposing side, a pliable domed shape pressure plate that extends outwardly from the wrist side of the housing to contact a palm side of a wrist and that responds to movements of muscles and tendons in the wrist that correspond to varying grip pressures applied by a hand extending from the wrist, a battery, memory, circuitry powered by the battery to convert responses of the pliable domed shape pressure plate to digital data, and circuitry powered by the battery to record the digital data to the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Theodore Caldwell, Ning Chen
  • Patent number: 8485900
    Abstract: In a game program for a multiplayer game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Capcom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Taoka, Takaaki Yamanouchi
  • Patent number: 8448944
    Abstract: A prize-displaying apparatus includes a wall, two mounts, two boards, two axles and a motor. The wall includes two apertures defined therein. Each mount includes a horizontal section between two vertical sections. Each vertical section of each mount includes an aperture defined therein. Each board includes a sleeve formed thereon. Each axle is inserted in a related aperture of the wall, the apertures of a related mount and the sleeve of a related board. The motor is operatively connected to one of the axles so that the related board can be pivoted between a supporting position where it supports the other board and a releasing position where it leaves and allows the other board to fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd., Department of Electrical Engineering, National Changhua University of Education
    Inventors: I-Chiang Yang, Tsair-Rong Chen
  • Patent number: 8448948
    Abstract: An amusement game such as those found in arcades is disclosed having a housing, player controls, and a playing area surrounded by a transparent housing, the game comprising a vertical array of targets; an actuator movable in X, Y, and Z directions, player controls for moving the actuator in the X and Y directions, means for extending the actuator in the Z direction toward the vertical array of targets, a suction device for adhering the actuator to a target. The actuator moves toward the targets and can remove a target from its position if properly aligned by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8398470
    Abstract: A puzzle includes light emitting diodes integrated in the puzzle in order to achieve a high level of interaction between the user and the puzzle. The puzzle can adapt to the players needs by increasing or decreasing the difficulty level or by giving the user hints. The puzzle functions not only as a puzzle but may also function as an ambient light (or object) of programmable color point (and layout) when not in use as a puzzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Murray Fulton Gillies, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman
  • Patent number: 8357043
    Abstract: The game apparatus (1) has a fixed main unit (100) and a movable operating device (8) that is held by a player and is capable of detecting the body motion of the player and of transmitting a signal to, receiving from, the main unit (100). The operating device (8) has an acceleration sensor (86) for detecting acceleration, a light source (85), and a transmitter (87) for transmitting a value detected by the acceleration sensor (86) to the main unit (100). The main unit (100) has light receiving units (9L,9R) that receive the light emitted from the light source (85) to detect the intensity of the received light, a RAM (14), and a processor (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigehito Mukasa, Satoshi Ueda, Takashi Muto